How Women are Transforming Tennis in Pakistan

Tennis has long been a male-dominated sport in Pakistan, with cricket traditionally stealing the spotlight in the country. However, a quiet yet powerful transformation is taking place as more Pakistani women embrace tennis, step onto the courts, and carve out a space in this highly competitive sport. The story of women’s tennis in Pakistan is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers, despite numerous cultural and societal challenges.

Let’s explore the rise of these players, the struggles they’ve overcome, and the emerging talent that’s beginning to leave a mark on the tennis scene in Pakistan.

A Quiet Revolution

While tennis has never been the national sport in Pakistan, it has found passionate followers across the country. In the past, men dominated the courts, but women were rarely seen in the spotlight. However, in recent years, women have started to make their presence felt, with many taking up tennis as a competitive and professional sport.

This shift is not just a result of global influences or media exposure but comes from the determination of young girls who’ve chosen to challenge stereotypes. Whether in local clubs or regional competitions, more Pakistani women are now participating in tennis, changing the landscape of the sport in Pakistan.

A Glimpse into History

Tennis in Pakistan can be traced back to the British colonial period, and over the years, Pakistan has produced some notable male tennis players like Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, who made a name for himself on the international stage. Yet, when it comes to women, there have been few big names or success stories – until now.

Women’s participation in sports has traditionally been hindered by cultural norms and societal expectations. But, thanks to various initiatives and a growing awareness of the benefits of sports for women, more parents are now encouraging their daughters to pursue tennis. The change is slow, but it’s steady.

The Rise of Emerging Talents

The face of Pakistani women’s tennis has seen some new and vibrant young talents who are working hard to represent the country in international tournaments. A few rising stars are making their mark in the tennis world, inspiring other young girls to pick up a racquet and aim high.

Sara Mahboob Khan is one of Pakistan’s top tennis players and has represented the country in several international competitions, including the Billie Jean King Cup. She was part of the Pakistan team that competed in the Asia/Oceania Group II in 2023, where they secured their spot by winning against Turkmenistan in the relegation playoffs. Her participation, alongside other talented players like Ushna Suhail, helped Pakistan maintain their position in this prestigious event.

Ushna Suhail is one of Pakistan’s most prominent female tennis players, holding the title of Pakistan’s national champion and achieving notable success internationally. She has been the first and only Pakistani woman to earn a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) world ranking in both singles (since 2014) and doubles (since 2012). Ushna has competed in over 130 international tournaments, including the Billie Jean King Cup, a prestigious global competition for women in tennis. Recently, she reached the finals of the LTA Sutton Tennis Academy Tournament in the UK, further showcasing her growing prowess on the court. Ushna’s dedication to tennis, along with her international achievements, has inspired a new generation of female players in Pakistan. Her journey, supported by family, mentors, and the Pakistan Tennis Federation, continues to be a source of national pride.

Another name making headlines is Iman Qureshi, who has shown promise through her performances in local and national tournaments. Iman has taken the tennis world in Pakistan by storm with her sheer determination and remarkable technique. The young star is ambitious and committed to improving her game, reflecting the optimism surrounding women’s tennis in Pakistan. Her work ethic and tenacity have already garnered attention, making her one of the rising talents to look out for.

The Importance of Role Models

The rise of players like Sarah Mahboob Khan, Ushna Suhail, and Iman Qureshi is monumental not only for the sport itself but also for the broader narrative of women’s empowerment in Pakistan. Female athletes in Pakistan face a unique set of challenges – from limited access to facilities to societal pressure and lack of sponsorship opportunities. Despite these hurdles, these athletes serve as powerful role models for younger generations.

Having local female role models is crucial in inspiring young girls to believe in themselves and pursue their passion for sports, especially in a society where gender norms can be rigid. The emergence of such figures sends a clear message: women belong in sports, and with the right support, they can excel.

Struggles Behind the Court

The success stories of Pakistani women in tennis may be inspiring, but they are often underscored by numerous challenges that athletes must navigate in a country where tennis is not the primary focus, and resources are limited. While young male players receive more recognition and financial backing, female players have to fight harder for equal treatment and opportunities.

Access to quality training facilities remains a challenge for women in tennis. In major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, there are some tennis academies and private clubs, but the cost of membership is often prohibitively high. Moreover, women players struggle to find female coaches who can understand and support their unique needs. With limited resources, many female tennis players have to self-fund their training or rely on private sponsors, which are few and far between.

Moreover, the cultural barriers are substantial. In conservative segments of Pakistani society, women playing sports—especially in public—can be seen as inappropriate. Tennis attire, which includes short skirts or dresses, often sparks criticism and makes it difficult for women to compete freely. Despite this, the women of Pakistan are resilient, using tennis as a platform to challenge traditional roles and perceptions.

Federation Support and Initiatives

In recent years, the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has begun focusing more on women’s tennis, although progress remains slow. The PTF has taken steps to organize more women’s tournaments and training camps to encourage female participation in the sport. While this is a step in the right direction, much more needs to be done to build a robust infrastructure for women’s tennis in the country.

In addition to the PTF, various private tennis academies have sprung up in Pakistan, offering young girls the opportunity to train under experienced coaches. The establishment of these academies has been crucial in providing budding female tennis players with the resources and mentorship they need to compete at a higher level. Although such facilities are mostly available in urban areas, the hope is that with the success of current female players, the tennis landscape will continue to open up for more young women across the country.

Global Ambitions

As Pakistani women’s tennis continues to evolve, many players have set their sights on representing the country on the international stage. While this dream remains distant for some, others have already begun making strides in this direction. Tennis provides a unique opportunity for Pakistani women to compete in an individual sport at an international level, unlike team sports that require more funding and logistical support.

Players like Sarah Mahboob Khan and Iman Qureshi dream of competing in major international tournaments, including the Grand Slams. For these athletes, the goal isn’t just to win personal accolades but to put Pakistan on the global tennis map and inspire future generations of women tennis players.

The Path Forward

The future of women’s tennis in Pakistan looks promising, but there is still a long way to go. More support from the government, sponsors, and private organizations is essential to ensure that female players have access to the resources they need to train and compete at the highest levels. Local tournaments should be organized more frequently to give young girls a chance to showcase their talent and develop competitive skills.

Moreover, there is a need to create more awareness about women’s sports and encourage families to support their daughters in pursuing athletics. Social attitudes toward women in sports need to shift, and this can only happen through sustained efforts, advocacy, and visibility of successful female athletes.

The rise of women in tennis in Pakistan is a story of grit, ambition, and breaking societal boundaries. With emerging talents, the sport is gradually finding its place in the country. Although the journey is still fraught with obstacles, the future looks bright for the next generation of female tennis players in Pakistan. As these young women continue to shine, they serve as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination, talent, and the right support, Pakistani women can conquer any court they step onto.